Member of the Month – Nairn Highland Games

As we get further through the summer, we reach another highlight of the season. The Nairn Highland Games, which has been on the go since 1867 but were put on hold during war years. In 2017 the 140^th gathering was held.

Now post Covid-19, Nairn is about to celebrate its 143rd gathering on the 20^th of August 2022. We caught up with Sandra Ross, Convenor of the Nairn Highland Games, to see what’s new for the Games and what’s been happening since Covid.

Sandra has been the games convenor for the past 15 years, and notably Scotland’s only female convenor. She’s also been involved with the games for the past 35 years. She has decided to pass on the torch and this year’s games will be her final as convenor. So, we are hoping for the biggest and best games yet! Sandra is very proud of the great attendance the games always have.

Held on Nairn Links, the Nairn Highland Games are a way point in the summer. For many, the games mark the tail end of the summer holidays with schools returning just prior to the games weekend.
There is something for everyone at the games with a mixture of track and field events, Scottish dancing, and pipe bands. This year’s games Chieftain is Lord Cawdor.

There are roughly 170 pipers and drummers set to appear at this year’s show.
The pipe bands parade is always a delight for locals and tourists alike as the bands march from Viewfield down to the Links at Noon and enter the arena. They then parade around the arena before departing the Links at 4.30. The parade route is to be finalised due to some issues with the proposed route but keep an eye on the Nairn Highland Games site for up-to-date info. Entry forms are here.
There seems to be a shortage of Tug of war teams this year, so if you fancy a shot, get yourself a team and sign up. Other events include heavy events, dancing, half marathon, track and field events and pipe bands.

The games couldn’t run without the people behind it who keep it running like a well-oiled machine. A team of volunteers ensures that everything goes to plan, but the Nairn Highland Games is always in search of new volunteers, young and old alike, to keep the games going for years to come. Please get in touch via their website or this form if you could volunteer. Many Nairn businesses sponsor and support the games. Royal Brackla Distillery are this years Title Sponsor and will be in the VIP tent.

Carparking is on Viewfield, which is also where the pipe band buses will be. There are limited parking spaces (25) available in the arena, but these are on a first come first serves basis and will be announced closer to the date. Any accessibility/special needs parking required should be directed to the committee to allow them to make plans for this.

The programme of events with timings is available on the Nairn Highland Games website or this link here.

The Nairn Highland Games is the largest FREE Highland games in Scotland. With 200 seats inside the arena and plenty of bank space out with for viewing. It makes a perfect family day out. We wish Sandra all the best and hope this year’s event gets beautiful weather and bustling crowds.